Selection for Training

Updated: 19 May 2020

Trainees for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery are selected on a competitive basis. Strict eligibility criteria apply and are published annually on The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) website. The P&RS Regulations for Selection are subject to annual review, and are published on this page each November.

Important changes to modified selection regulations in 2020 (version 2, 18 May 2020)

Documentation valid dates for the structure CV tool:

New addendum for selection during COVID-19 added as clause 1.4.

Relevant dates can be found in section 2.1.

No credit will be given for experience gained after 25 March 2020, with the exception of research presentations.

Last five (5) years means 26 March 2015 to 25 March 2020, inclusive.

Last three (3) years means 26 March 2017 to 25 March 2020, inclusive.

Last two (2) years means 26 March 2018 to 25 March 2020, inclusive.

Research presentations accepted prior to 25 March 2020, inclusive, may be creditworthy. Research presentations (oral or poster) are restricted to the last five years (5.8.8.).

Commencing in 2020, applicants will be limited to three eligible attempts (section 2.8). An “eligible attempt” is defined as an application that qualifies as having met the Minimum Eligibility Requirements. Attempts made prior to 2020, will not count towards the limit. Feedback to applicants will include the number of remaining attempts.

Meeting creditworthiness is restricted to attendance in the last five years (5.10.9.9.).

Educational qualifications are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

One training position is reserved to support selection opportunities for candidates who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (ATSI) and who reach the minimum standard for selection.

RACS Clinical Examination – future minimum eligibility requirement

In 2021 (for the 2022 intake), the RACS Clinical Examination will become a minimum eligibility requirement for selection into Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Contact RACS Examination Department for more information on examination dates, locations and costs.

Application Processing Fee

All applicants will be charged a non-refundable application processing fee which must be paid at the time of application.

The 2020 fee is $828.00 (in GST).

Support for Applicants

Should the SET application process raise difficulties for you or feeling that you do not know how to deal with, ASPS suggests you to seek out support and advice from these or other related organisations.

About ASPS

Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Inc (ASPS) is the peak body for Specialist Plastic Surgeons (both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery). Our main role is to protect the integrity of Plastic Surgery as a specialty. Our mission is to provide the highest quality plastic surgery care to all Australians.